Skip to main content

My turn for a forum member survey.

 

How many of you folks use multiple makes of track on your layout?

 

Not turning this into track vs track debate, but what were/are your reasons for using different types of track on your layout?  Specific purposes for each track (accessories, etc.)?

 

On one of my many temporary layouts, I used 3 types of track, RealTrax, Tubular, and Atlas.  I used the Atlas O as the continuous high ball run (quiet), RealTrax as a bump and go trolley line (I liked, and still like the lighted bumpers), and Tubular because the accessories that I had at the time (497 Coaling Station, Maiden Rescue), were designed for tubular track primarily.

 

Tell me your stories!  And as always post photos if you have any 

 

 

Last edited by Amfleet25124
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Ross for most of the curves and all but two of the switches, Gargraves flex track for most of the straights and non-standard curves, Atlas O for some straights and for the broad curves on the Double track mainline to get 4.5" center-to-center track spacing plus two double-slip switches because they line up better with Ross #5 switches than Ross' double-slips.  How is that for one sentence.

I do......I have 3 levels that do not interconnect using Mianne Benchwork.

 

Main level: 6X16 using Atlas track and RossBed. 

 

Now for background......from 1993-2003 I had a 14X26 alionel standard O gauge layout......so, I had a ton of track and wooden ties.

 

Bottom level: 6X8 subway......Lionel standard O gauge.....only a 4' section is going to be visible.....and the track will not be seen due to the subway platforms.

 

Top level: 2x16 engine servicing facility. Lionel standard O gauge......it's at my eye level....with extra ties and ballast, it will look fine.....very few people will be looking down on it.

 

Here are a few pics.........the one of the old layout is obvious (he turned 23 on Sunday!)...

 

 

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

 

 

Peter

Attachments

Images (10)
  • image
  • image
  • image
  • image
  • image
  • image
  • image
  • image
  • image
  • image
Originally Posted by CAPPilot:

Ross for most of the curves and all but two of the switches, Gargraves flex track for most of the straights and non-standard curves, Atlas O for some straights and for the broad curves on the Double track mainline to get 4.5" center-to-center track spacing plus two double-slip switches because they line up better with Ross #5 switches than Ross' double-slips.  How is that for one sentence.

LOL.  Let's call it a "continuous run-on" sentence.

Technically yes and technically no....

 

 This photo is in no way close to current for my layout (guess I'll have to take more!) but it shows that I do have multiple different tracks. I use all Ross switches. I've got some future plans that would likely only work with a piece of tight Gargraves Flex so that will have to be used. 

 

Otherwise I use tubular. 0-27 style for the outer and upper loops and O gauge for the inner. I guess you could argue I use different track types for the layout. 

IMG_2051

 

 

My old layout had a more hodge-podge arrangement. The portion on top of the tunnel was 0-27 and a sole 0-27 switch. The main level was a mixture of Ross and 0-27 switches and a mix of 0-27 and O Gauge track. When I did the expansion, I had to use 031 curves. Everyone here said mixing 0-27 and O Gauge track on one loop was going to be a mistake.  I couldn't have asked for better operation (more or less). My sloppy track work caused a few minor issues but I tore the layout down, which I regret, instead of fixing them. 

 

 

IMG_0381

IMG_0382

IMG_0383

 

 

One thing I've seen, perhaps here on the forum, that I really thought was neat was building a modern intermodal, etc type yard where the track was embedded in the concrete road. I've seen someone here on the forum use SuperStreets (or whatever they are called now) and build the pavement up to that. Really looked great. 

Attachments

Images (4)
  • IMG_2051
  • IMG_0381
  • IMG_0382
  • IMG_0383
Last edited by SJC

I currently have all Atlas-O track and switches and any planned expansions will use the same track (if they ever make more switches). I have a Lionel Gantry Crane on order that will require either Ross or Gargraves Gantry Crane track (leaning toward Ross) so that will be added in the near future. And this also reminds me I need to get that ordered soon.

Hi Kevin

     My layout is 100% tubular track. K-Line shadow rail. I purchased two cases, when I found out, that production was coming to an end.

     The switches are Lionel O Gauge, and they are now out of production.

I like the sound, that I get from tubular track. I am a Toy Train Layout.

Gary

• Cheers from The

DETROIT AND MACKINAC RAILWAY PASSENGER CAR v3

Attachments

Images (1)
  • DETROIT AND MACKINAC RAILWAY PASSENGER CAR v3

I don't have a layout at home. At my club we use all Gargrave Track with Ross, Curtis, and Gargrave switches. The remaining Gargrave switches are being replaced over time with Ross for better reliability. We like Gargrave Track due to it's realistic look. The wooden ties insulate the rails as well as look good. The flex track allows us to better contour the track to the available space. We are not limited to standard diameter turns.

To clarify on my opening post, that set of track makes was just an example of a set that I used on a specific occastion.  I use 4 types of track in my ever changing 3-rail world, Atlas, FasTrack, RealTrax, and Tubular.   Run on each one or more depending on which one(s) I want to set up that particular day.

I don't currently have a layout, but in past layouts, I started with O-27 tubular because I inherited a 1948 lionel postwar set and that's what it came on.  I liked to change the track often so my dad picked up some MTH realtrax so I had a combination of that and the 0-27.  As I got into some "bigger" trains I upgraded to O-31 tubular, sold the realtrax.  still have some O-27 for when I wanted to squeeze one more loop on the 4'x8' plywood.  I also have a loop of K-line snap track that came with a set that has found its way on the layout once or twice.  And a recent set purchase came with a loop of fasttrack, but that's the loudest track I've ever had, so no plans to use that any time soon.  overall I'm happy with the O-31 track (and O-42 with O profile).  it's versatile and easy to work with, plus I have a good amount of postwar accessories.  also, it's dirt cheap in comparison to all the other systems

I am using 027 track and two Gargraves switches for the around the ceiling level, which I hope to finish this week. It is one loop of 027 with a siding for a passenger train to sit on for display, which I am trying to finish the passing area.

 

For the main level I will use 031 and 042 tubular track. Currently have Gargraves switches but I will be going to Ross switches when I do my main layout again, in about a month I will start on the main level. The main level will be mounted on two 4 by 8 sheets of plywood, might have a small extension into the closet area as I removed the door from the closet.

 

On the upper level I plan to use 027 track and  two 027 switches I have, maybe Gargraves switches as I update to Ross switches on the lower level. The upper level might be a combination of 027 & Gargraves straight tracks. With the 027 & O gauge tubular track I am using rubber ties that I have bought from 3R Plastics and Moondog Rubber Tie company.

Also planning to use Super Streets on the upper level, I might have a Super Streets track on the lower level. Will have to see how much room is left after putting up the new layout.

 

Lee Fritz

Last edited by phillyreading

I really like solid rail and the looks of Atlas track, so main layout will continue using that (as stated above). I should have added that I also like Fastrack and hope to someday have an additional small layout using that and Fastrack switches. most likely in a different location from the main layout. I started out to use Fastrack, but couldn't stand the noise. I have since found (here on the forum) several ways to combat the noise problem that should help out a lot if I ever get to do this.    

Well, so far, just Atlas.

I'd like to stick with it but the non-availability of the product is becoming an ever increasing nuisance for me. It's gone on WAY too long and I've pretty well had it with Atlas! It's time for them to go "pound sand!"

 

It looks like Ross track and switches, with some GG flex is in my immediate future. In fact, I might dump the Atlas track I have and start over with Ross/GG. 

 

We hear a lot about the availability problem with Atlas switches but you can't even get their track! I have no idea how the company can stay in business this way! Mystifies me totally! Atlas track is a "vaporware" product!

Last edited by Terry Danks
Just regular o gauge track. Its what i grew up with.  All different radii used and cut to fit what I need.  I have Astroturf carpet stretched like canvas on a picture frame over each piece of 1/2 in plywood.  No screw holes ever show when I make changes.  The turf provides instant uniform grass and some sound deadening.  But I do like the clackity clack of the engines and cars going through the joints as they arrive and leave each room.  To me it sounds like a real train on the local tracks.
Originally Posted by Terry Danks:

 

We hear a lot about the availability problem with Atlas switches but you can't even get their track! I have no idea how the company can stay in business this way! Mystifies me totally! Atlas track is a "vaporware" product!

I have been able to get Atlas track through my LHS for most of the shortage period. I haven't had a problem there. I thought some of our forum sponsors got the track back in stock around March or April, my LHS got some back then as well, but I haven't bought any for a few months. My LHS has it in their track bins in several sizes. Now the switches are a totally different story. Those are quite scarce and were supposed to be available by now, actually a few months ago. I want to expand this fall, sure hope they make it to the stores by then.

Gargraves for all visible track, 027 for all hidden track because I had it and did not see a reason to waste it.  Super o for one return loop because at the time it was the only track with curves that fit the plan.  My one regret is using it.  Tarnished easily, some wheel flanges hit the ties, one locomotive refuses to run on that section.  On the short list is the task of pulling that loop and replacing it with a similar radius of atlas because gargraves does not make fixed radius curves that match.  If there is a next layout it will either be atlas or mth scale track.  Oh, ross switches will be the standard.

Oh, sure. 

 

GG.

Curtis (now defunct; looks like Ross, was a bit cheaper).

Lionel 042 low-profile tubular (buried in dirt) in some yards.

=====

Switches are mostly old GG (they were new when I bought them!)

One new GG 072 on main/engine terminal lead.

Ross 8-way yard set mated with, believe it or not, Lionel 027-profile uncoupler

sections, which are themselves mated with GG for the rest of the sidings.

=====

Most of this stuff works fine, most of the time, and has for years, even subject to my benign neglect.

 

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×